"Men's Fraternity" @ WMUMC

Hey Guys!

So, now that we’re back at work (and at home) in “the valley” – we’ll continue looking at our lives at work through the remaining sessions. I hope, like me, you’re excited about looking at work through the lens of faith & “authentic manhood”.  I was amazed by Dr. Lewis’ statistic from session 11 that “90% of all Christians have never read a book, heard a sermon, or listened to a tape that focuses specifically on the workplace.”  Guess we’re in the top 10% for sure!!  I’m really ready to dig into this and learn from each other about it.

I’ll get out the questions we looked at last week as soon as I can so everyone can work responding to them, and we’ll keep working on setting up our web site’s “blog” capability.  Some pretty exciting possibilities for this “band of brothers”!

Join us this week as we look at:

-       The Prevailing View of Work

-       The Higher View of Work

-       A Key Scripture That Summarizes This Higher View of Work

This Thursday (Feb 23^rd) at Warwick Memorial UMC (38 Hoopes Rd, Newport News):

Session 12: Two Visions of Work

6:00 AM and 7:00 PM in Room 28 – just down the hall from the Celebration Center’s entrance.

News & Reminders:

-  Updated Calendar: is attached in .pdf format.  After we get responses from you all to our “Looking Forward” questions, we’ll update it again.

-  Check out our web site: www.wmumc.org/fraternity.  Besides posting these emails, there’s an events calendar and we’re hoping to add a ‘news and info’ section soon.  This is a great way to intro  other guys to information about our group as the opportunity presents.

-  Loaner DVDs – are available if you’ve missed a session – see Gerry.

Be encouraged!

-Dick.

Cell: 303-5101

Hi Guys…  (Two attachments!) - MensFrat Retreat 2012 – Eval   - Mens Frat Calendar 2011-2012

Hope you guys are doing okay in the ‘valley’, working out how to move forward on your calls from God, and starting to consider how we ‘win at work’ – the last part of this year’s focus.  I’m equally excited about what our ‘experienced’ (aka: retired) brothers can teach us from their years of being in the workplace. I think this is going to be a really good wrap-up to the semester.

That said, THIS WEEK is a short break from the series to take care of some special business, so I want you to be prepared:

-       Collecting your retreat evaluation forms (form attached if you lost yours!)

-       Check-Ins

-       Discussion questions from Session 11 last week (A Man and His Work)

-       Look over some of the ‘big ideas’ from the retreat evaluations

-       Brainstorm ideas for moving forward the rest of this semester & beyond.

-       Check our calendar (revised one attached)

This Thursday (Feb 16^th) at Warwick Memorial UMC (38 Hoopes Rd, Newport News):

Special Session: Looking Ahead

6:00 AM and 7:00 PM in Room 28 – just down the hall from the Celebration Center’s entrance.

News & Reminders:

-  Check out our web site: www.wmumc.org/fraternity.  Besides posting these emails, there’s an events calendar and we’re hoping to add a ‘news and info’ section soon.  This is a great way to intro  other guys to information about our group as the opportunity presents.

-  Loaner DVDs – are available if you’ve missed a session – see Gerry.

Be encouraged!

-Dick.

Cell: 303-5101

Hi men!

That was a crazy-awesome retreat, huh?  So cool to see God move so strongly in so many different ways.  What a blessing to be involved with so many of you guys on that adventure!

Now we’re getting rolling on the “Winning at Work” part of the year – with the session A Man and His Work.

Join us this week as we look at:

-       Some Introductory Thoughts About Work

-       Key Motivations Behind a Man’s Work

-       What Men Want From Their Work

-       What a Man Needs to Have to Get What He Wants From His Work

This Thursday (Feb 9^th) at Warwick Memorial UMC (38 Hoopes Rd, Newport News):

Session 11: A Man and His Work

6:00 AM and 7:00 PM in Room 28 – just down the hall from the Celebration Center’s entrance.

News & Reminders:

-  Check out our web site: www.wmumc.org/fraternity.  Besides posting these emails, there’s an events calendar and we’re hoping to add a ‘news and info’ section soon.  This is a great way to intro  other guys to information about our group as the opportunity presents.

-  Loaner DVDs – are available if you’ve missed a session – see Gerry.

Be encouraged!

-Dick.

Cell: 303-5101

Hi men!

These past two weeks have been something, huh? God’s been doing some amazing works both inside and outside our group – lots of stories to share at Check-In this week.

We’ve got one more special program this Thursday and then the retreat in a couple weekends.

And a final update on the retreat – we have 17 men going… that’s everyone who can go out of our ‘active’ group of 20!! How cool is that? Can’t wait! I’ll send a separate email with some specific information for the retreat later this week.

For this Thursday (Jan 26th) at Warwick Memorial UMC (38 Hoopes Rd, Newport News):
6:00 AM and 7:00 PM in Room 28 – just down the hall from the Celebration Center’s entrance.

News & Reminders:
- RETREAT!! – Fri-Sun February 3-5.
Theme: Don’t Miss That Call!
Dates: Fri-Sun Feb 3rd – 5th
Times: Meet at church 6:00pm Friday (Makemie Woods requested we arrive by 7:00pm)
–Transportation by church bus– (unless you want to drive separately)
We’ll return by 1:00pm Sunday (in plenty of time for the Super Bowl… never fear!)
Location: Makemie Woods Camp & Conference Center in Barhamsville VA (www.makwoods.org)
Cost: $85 total. Covers: Lodging, meals (Sat + Sun Breakfast), and transportation (church bus)
A $20 deposit is requested to hold your place and offset the deposit payment we’ve already made.
(Final payment due at the retreat)
Scholarships are available to help with costs… we don’t want ANYONE to miss this because of cost!

- Check out our web site: www.wmumc.org/fraternity. Besides posting these emails, we also just added an events calendar and we’re hoping to add a ‘new and info’ section soon. This is a great way to intro other guys to information about our group as the opportunity presents.

- Loaner DVDs – are available if you’ve missed a session – see Gerry.

Be encouraged!
-Dick.
Cell: 303-5101

Guys – as promised, here are the links from this past week’s session.
Enjoy!! (and. Be Encouraged!) -Dick.

1. Video: Just Another Birthday (Casting Crowns)

2. Video: More Beautiful You (Jonny Diaz) – The one we didn’t have time to
see!

3. “Dear Tech Support” funny that Gerry read at the beginning.
===
Installing Your Husband…

Dear Tech Support,

Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and noticed a
distinct slow down in overall system performance, particularly in the flower
and jewelry applications, which operated flawlessly under Boyfriend 5.0.

In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such as
Romance 9.5 and Personal Attention 6.5 and then installed undesirable
programs such as NBA 5.0, NFL 3.0 and Golf Clubs 4.1. Conversation 8.0 no
longer runs, and Housecleaning 2.6 simply crashes the system.

I’ve tried running Nagging 5.3 to fix these problems, but to no avail. What
can I do?

Signed,
Desperate

***

DEAR DESPERATE,

First keep in mind, Boyfriend 5.0 is an Entertainment Package, while Husband
1.0 is an Operating System.

Please enter command: ithoughtyoulovedme.html and try to download Tears 6.2
and don’t forget to install the Guilt 3.0 update. If that application works
as designed, Husband 1.0 should then automatically run the applications
Jewelry 2.0 and Flowers 3.5.

But remember, overuse of the above application can cause Husband 1.0 to
default to Grumpy Silence 2.5, Happy Hour 7.0 or Beer 6.1. Please note that
Beer 6.1 is a very bad program that will download the Snoring Loudly Beta.

Whatever you do, DO NOT install Mother-In-Law 1.0 (it runs a virus in the
background that will eventually seize control of all your system resources.)

Also do not attempt to reinstall Boyfriend 5.0 program. These are
unsupported applications and will crash Husband 1.0.

In summary, Husband 1.0 is a great program, but it does have limited memory
and cannot learn new applications quickly.

You might consider buying additional software to improve memory and
performance. We recommend Cooking 3.0 and Hot Lingerie 7.7.

Good Luck,
Tech Support

Okay guys – let’s get rolling for 2012. We’re kicking off the next semester with three special session in preparation for the retreat coming in a few weeks. Can you think of a better new year’s resolution than to draw closer to God and be a more “authentic man” at home and at work? I can’t!
So looking forward to getting back together this week!

This Thursday (Jan 12th) at Warwick Memorial UMC (38 Hoopes Rd, Newport News):
6:00 AM and 7:00 PM in Room 28 – just down the hall from the Celebration Center’s entrance.

News & Reminders:
– RETREAT!! – Fri-Sun February 3-5.
Theme: Don’t Miss That Call!
Dates: Fri-Sun Feb 3rd – 5th
Times: Meet at church 6:00pm Friday **New Time** (Mak Woods has requested we arrive by 7:00pm)
We’ll return by 1:00pm Sunday
Location: Makemie Woods Camp & Conference Center in Barhamsville VA (www.makwoods.org)
Cost: $85 total. Covers: Lodging, meals (Sat + Sun Breakfast), and transportation (church bus)
A $20 deposit is requested to hold your place and offset the deposit payment we’ve already made.
(Final payment due at the retreat)
Scholarships are available to help with costs… we don’t want ANYONE to miss this because of cost!
– Check out our web site: www.wmumc.org/fraternity. Besides posting these emails, we also just added an events calendar and we’re hoping to add a ‘new and info’ section soon. This is a great way to intro other guys to information about our group as the opportunity presents.
– Loaner DVDs – are available if you’ve missed a session – see Gerry.

Be encouraged!
-Dick.
Cell: 303-5101

Hi guys!

Last session in this semester is coming this Thursday… and we’ll be in the Fellowship Hall (center of the older part of the church building) this week because the PORT homeless shelter will be using the room we’re usually in.

HOMEWORK??!! Yep! – come this week prepared to share based on the following questions (10 minutes, max!). You might want to pick just one or two – the important thing is sharing positive parts of our ‘stories’ with each other:

· Tell about a moment you remember when your Dad or a Dad figure “stood tall” to you.

· Tell about how you met your wife or girlfriend and why you fell in love with her. If you are not in a relationship right now, describe what you hope to find in one.

· Tell about your sons and/or daughters. What are they good at? Tell about how they are gifted.

· Share a specific time that you treasure as a family.

· Tell us where you are in giving your family Christina leadership.

The idea here is to share POSITIVE things (yeah, you might need to dig some!). Two things to remember:
They will always be your children!
You are already doing the right thing for your family by attending Men’s Fraternity!

This Thursday (Dec 15th) at Warwick Memorial UMC (38 Hoopes Rd, Newport News):
6:00 AM and 7:00 PM in the FELLOWSHIP HALL

News & Reminders:
- Check out our web site: www.wmumc.org/fraternity. Besides posting these emails, we also just added an events calendar and we’re hoping to add a ‘new and info’ section soon. This is a great way to intro other guys to information about our group as the opportunity presents.
- SAVE THE DATE – for our Retreat: Fri-Sun February 3-5.
You won’t want to miss this event! Clear your calendars and start saving your pennies now so you can be there for the whole thing!
Theme: Don’t Miss That Call!
Dates: Fri-Sun Feb 3rd – 5th
Times: Meet at church 6:30pm Friday
We’ll return by 1:00pm Sunday
Location: Makemie Woods Camp & Conference Center in Barhamsville VA (www.makwoods.org)
Cost: $85 total. Covers: Lodging, meals (Sat + Sun Breakfast), and transportation (church bus)
A $20 deposit is requested to hold your place and offset the deposit payment we’ve already made.
(Final payment due at the retreat)
Scholarships are available to help with costs… we don’t want ANYONE to miss this because of cost!
- Loaner DVDs – are available if you’ve missed a session – see Gerry.

Be encouraged!
-Dick.
Cell: 303-5101

Hi men!

Two more sessions before we take our semester break – aren’t you glad we don’t do final exams?! (Believe me there are a lot of nervous college kids out there right now!)

This week we knock out Robert Lewis’ Session 10 – then next week on December 15th we have a special program to wrap up. And while we don’t do semester exams, we WILL have some homework for the session… but we think you’ll get a lot out of it. May end up being one of the best sessions so far this year – don’t miss it! More details this Thursday morning.

Join us this week as we look at:
- The Ups and Down of Parenting
- Four Handlebars for Maximum Parenting
(What I really want to know is, can my parenting handlebars have those cool tassel thingies that hang out of ‘em?)

This Thursday (Dec 8th) at Warwick Memorial UMC (38 Hoopes Rd, Newport News):
Session 10: Maximum Parenting
6:00 AM and 7:00 PM in Room 28 – just down the hall from the Celebration Center’s entrance.

News & Reminders:
– Our December 15th session will be in the Fellowship Hall instead of Room 28 – due to WMUMC hosting the PORT homeless shelter that week.
– Opportunities to help with the PORT Homeless Shelter at WMUMC December 14-21:
> Leading Bible studies (at 8:30pm): Thu 12/15, Fri 12/16, Sat 12/17, Sun 12/18
> Overnight Church Representative Watch (must be a WMUMC member): Sun 12/18 from 9:45pm to 6:00am
> Morning Shift Thu 12/15: Kitchen 5-7am (1); Check-out 5-8am (2)
> Overnight Watch for Sat 12/17 (actually early Sunday morning): 1:30-5:30am (2)
> Morning Shift Sun 12/18: Kitchen 5-7am (1); Check-out 5-8am (2)
(Check the sign-up sheets outside the church Fellowship Hall for the current slots still open.)
– Check out our web site: www.wmumc.org/fraternity. Besides posting these emails, we also just added an events calendar and we’re hoping to add a ‘new and info’ section soon. This is a great way to intro other guys to information about our group as the opportunity presents.
– SAVE THE DATE – for our Retreat: Fri-Sun February 3-5.
You won’t want to miss this event! Clear your calendars and start saving your pennies now so you can be there for the whole thing!
Theme: Don’t Miss That Call!
Dates: Fri-Sun Feb 3rd – 5th
Times: Meet at church 6:30pm Friday
We’ll return by 1:00pm Sunday
Location: Makemie Woods Camp & Conference Center in Barhamsville VA (www.makwoods.org)
Cost: $85 total. Covers: Lodging, meals (Sat + Sun Breakfast), and transportation (church bus)
A $20 deposit is requested to hold your place and offset the deposit payment we’ve already made.
(Final payment due at the retreat)
Scholarships are available to help with costs… we don’t want ANYONE to miss this because of cost!
– Loaner DVDs – are available if you’ve missed a session – see Gerry.

Be encouraged!
-Dick.
Cell: 303-5101

Hi guys!

I don’t know about you, but I missed getting together last Thursday! But Men’s Fraternity was on the list of things I was thanking God for in my life. You guys are quite an encouragement.

How was your Thanksgiving? Sometimes holidays are great; sometimes they’re REALLY disappointing; sometimes they’re just plain lonely. Sometimes family gatherings are wonderful, close, warm. Sometimes they resemble train wrecks with lots hazardous materials involved! I think it’s kind of cool that we’re focusing on family matters as we approach this holiday season – for several reasons:
- We have chances to apply what we’ve learned(!)
- We have opportunities to be with those “other” sons & daughters in our lives – and to share important things with them.
- We have chances to reflect on being a husband and a dad
- We have opportunities to invite others for our start into the second semester and our retreat in February!

So – regardless of how your Thanksgiving was – let’s rejoin as brothers on the journey for the next few weeks as we wrap up the first semester and get ready for the Christmas holidays!

This Thursday (Dec 1st) at Warwick Memorial UMC (38 Hoopes Rd, Newport News):
Session 9: Dad’s Game Plan for Raising Sons and Daughters
6:00 AM and 7:00 PM in Room 28 – just down the hall from the Celebration Center’s entrance.

News & Reminders:
– Our December 15th session will be in the Fellowship Hall instead of Room 28 – due to WMUMC hosting the PORT homeless shelter that week.
– Check out our web site: www.wmumc.org/fraternity. Besides posting these emails, we also just added an events calendar and we’re hoping to add a ‘new and info’ section soon. This is a great way to intro other guys to information about our group as the opportunity presents.
– SAVE THE DATE – for our Retreat: Fri-Sun February 3-5.
You won’t want to miss this event! Clear your calendars and start saving your pennies now so you can be there for the whole thing!
Theme: Don’t Miss That Call!
Dates: Fri-Sun Feb 3rd – 5th
Times: Meet at church 6:30pm Friday
We’ll return by 1:00pm Sunday
Location: Makemie Woods Camp & Conference Center in Barhamsville VA (www.makwoods.org)
Cost: $85 total. Covers: Lodging, meals (Sat + Sun Breakfast), and transportation (church bus)
A $20 deposit is requested to hold your place and offset the deposit payment we’ve already made.
(Final payment due at the retreat)
Scholarships are available to help with costs… we don’t want ANYONE to miss this because of cost!
– Loaner DVDs – are available if you’ve missed a session – see Gerry.

Be encouraged!
-Dick.
Cell: 303-5101

Hi guys! (Retreat cost update at the bottom!)

Bill Cosby said once about parenthood, “It’s one of the few jobs in life you can get with absolutely no experience whatsoever.” I guess that’s true – but man! It’s also one of the most IMPORTANT jobs we’ve been trusted with as men… crafting and protecting the lives of our children – our own, and yes, others’ kids, too. Much of what kids learn about love, how to live life, how to respond to things, and about God they learn (or don’t learn) from us. As parents, there’s a Latin phrase for what we are, “In loco Dei” – basically “God, locally”. Yikes! We’re the picture and example of what God is like to our kids?! Do the words “epic failure” spring to mind?! Ugh!

But guys – take heart! We’re still trainable!! And it truly is never too late! With God’s grace, amazing opportunities for reconciliation and healing are truly possible. Not to mention sanity and a sense of purpose for us as fathers, “father figures” and grandfathers. So come with us this Thursday as we get some practical guidance about how to take another step along the road of ‘living UP’ as men – and winning at home.

Hope to see you this week for:

This Thursday (Nov 17th) at Warwick Memorial UMC (38 Hoopes Rd, Newport News):
Session 8: What Every Dad Needs to Know
6:00 AM and 7:00 PM in Room 28 – just down the hall from the Celebration Center’s entrance.

News & Reminders:
– Check out our web site: www.wmumc.org/fraternity. Besides posting these emails, we also just added an events calendar and we’re hoping to add a ‘news and info’ section soon. This is a great way to intro other guys to information about our group as the opportunity presents.
– SAVE THE DATE– for our Retreat: Fri-Sun February 3-5.
You won’t want to miss this event! Clear your calendars and start saving your pennies now so you can be there for the whole thing!
Theme: Don’t Miss That Call!
Dates: Fri-Sun Feb 3rd – 5th
Times: Meet at church 6:30pm Friday
We’ll return by 1:00pm Sunday
Location: Makemie Woods Camp & Conference Center in Barhamsville VA (www.makwoods.org)
Cost: $85 total. Covers: Lodging, meals (Sat + Sun Breakfast), and transportation (church bus)
A $20 deposit is requested to hold your place and offset the deposit payment we’ve already made.
(Final payment due at the retreat)
Scholarships are available to help with costs… we don’t want ANYONE to miss this because of cost!
– Loaner DVDs – are available if you’ve missed a session – see Gerry.

Be encouraged!
-Dick.
Cell: 303-5101